ORAlone: Collapsing Social Networks and its Implication for OR/MS Professionals

Introduction

Social capital refers to the value that arises from interactions in social networks. Benefits such as reciprocity, trust, information, and cooperation grow out of social networks and makes economic systems more efficient. This value is not easily measured, but it does exist. By essentially any measure, the amount of time and effort people spend gaining social capital has decreased over the last 10 years. People are joining fewer clubs, and are less willing to take leadership roles in them. People are less likely to vote or otherwise take part in political processes. In general, people are more isolated, and less willing to interact with others. What effect does this have for OR/MS professionals?